Pochettino explains why Caicedo was not in the starting XI against Newcastle game

Mauricio Pochettino has explained the reason for Moises Caicedo not making his starting XI during Saturday’s 4-1 loss against Newcastle United.

Caicedo came in as a second-half substitute while Chelsea were trying to salvage something from the game.

The midfielder had been on international duty with Ecuador, and didn’t come back to Cobham until Friday, and Poch says he didn’t want to risk him.

“Yes, it is true that with Moises Caicedo we need to manage his minutes carefully,” the 51-year-old told Chelsea’s official app.

“He only arrived back with us yesterday [Friday] from international duty with Ecuador and has only had one training session, so we felt it was best that we avoid any possible [injury] problems and just be careful with him with so many games ahead.

“This is why we have a big squad, so we can use the players to play when they are maybe not in complete perfect condition, so Moises not starting is just to avoid any risk.”